Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in zFTP Client by CERN
CVE-2016-20046

8.6HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Zftp

Status
Zftp Client
Vendor
CVE Published:
28 March 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2016-20046?

The zFTP Client version 20061220+dfsg3-4.1 is susceptible to a buffer overflow vulnerability in the processing of the NAME parameter during FTP connections. This flaw allows local attackers to provide a maliciously oversized NAME value that exceeds the allocated 80-byte buffer, potentially overwriting the instruction pointer. If exploited, an attacker could crash the zFTP Client application or execute arbitrary code with user privileges. Proper input validation and buffer management practices should be implemented to mitigate this risk.

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Affected Version(s)

zFTP Client 20061220+dfsg3-4.1

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2016-20046 - Proof of Concept

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40203
exploit
http://cernlib.web.cern.ch/cernlib/
product
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/zftp-client-20061220...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
8.6
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Juan Sacco - http://www.exploitpack.com -
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